By Joel Reyes

The New York Knicks took a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals after beating the San Antonio Spurs 105-104 in Game 2 of their championship showdown on Saturday (PH time) at Frost Bank Center.

Jalen Brunson scored 20 points, none bigger than the free throw he scored with 9.5 seconds left that proved to be the difference in the contest.

That basket came off a costly turnover by Victor Wembanyama, who hurriedly passed the ball to Stephon Castle on what was supposed to be the final possession of regulation.

Brunson took full advantage of the miscommunication, getting the loose ball as he was fouled by the Frenchman.

Brunson split his charities, giving San Antonio another chance of winning Game 2. Wembanyama missed a jumper, however, in the dying seconds, giving the Knicks a two-game lead ahead of their return to the Big Apple for Games 3 and 4. 

It was a disappointing defeat for the Spurs, who launched a furious fightback in the fourth quarter, unleashing a 21-5 run to grab a 104-102 lead.

The Knicks held their composure, though, as they moved closer to winning their first championship since 1973.